I don't normally mix up my blush routine - I have a favorite and that's that - but when Pixi Beauty offered to let me sample one of their perfect-for-spring shades, I decided I had nothing to lose - and could possibly gain a new tool to help me combat my pale, winter skin.

What they say: Pixi Blush Beauty in No. 1 Healthiest Honey ($16) instantly offers a natural touch of color that won't require any touch up throughout the day

What I thought: Pixi is one of Target's high-end beauty lines so it's not cheap, but the quality is really impressive. First, there's the girly packaging - light mint green and gold fairy logo - just lovely.

Then, the product. This blush is super soft, has no noticeable odor (you know me and my aversion to fragrances) and goes on light and smooth. It didn't irritate or dry my skin at all. Just what a good blush should be!

The color itself is more of a soft bronze with just a kiss of pink, and it worked amazingly well with my complexion. When you're as pale as I am, many blush colors can be instantly overpowering and you run the risk of looking clownish, but Healthiest Honey is basically foolproof. It's so light that it might actually not provide enough color for those with darker complexions. You can build up the color but only to a point.

As for staying power, this blush definitely has it. My blush stayed put all day, without smudging or fading.

My only qualm is how powdery this blush gets in the container - a few swipes with my blush brush and there was blush dust all over. It's odd because the powder isn't dry whatsoever, it actually has the slightest creamy finish. I'm not sure what the technical term for this would be but I'd prefer something that adheres to my brush without "snowing" everywhere.

Oh. Also, the price. It's $16. Ouch. This is a toughie for me because as much as I enjoyed this product, I'm not sure I'd honestly fork over $16. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth it.

The bottom line: For a soft, sun-kissed glow you can wear year round, Pixi Blush Beauty delivers. I'd love to try some of the other shades, like Purest Peach or Perkiest Pink.

Shop the post:

I'm always impressed with the variety of styles in the Simply Vera Vera Wang shoe collection at Kohl's, and my last "inspection" of the line was no exception. For early spring, highlights include perforated heels in a nude or black color, wedge sneakers (inspired by Isabel Marant, no doubt), metallic sneaks, bow-embellished flats and colorblock wedge sandals. I can't speak to quality or comfort as I'm not in the market for new shoes at the moment but I think a lot of these have that "you got those at Kohl's?!" wow-factor that's worth a look.

More pics after the jump - see any styles you love?

Shop it online:

Gap's gingham shirt is $49.50 and comes in five colors.

Shrunken boyfriend gingham shirt

Get the look for less with this Joe Fresh gingham shirt instead, just $19 in four colors at jcp.com. Green and pink are currently sold out online but you can find this shirt in stores. I saw them this past Friday in person and they look great!

On Friday, I visited my local H&M store to check out the new pants collection, pick up some new maternity duds and drop off a bag of clothes to be recycled. In case you missed it, all H&M stores now offer garment recycling collection services and when you bring in a bag of clothes, you get a 15% off coupon good for the item of your choice. I teamed up with H&M to help get this message out and you can see the video I created here. But aside from that, as a customer, I just wanted to see if my local store was actually participating and I was so glad that yes, they are! The process was really simple, just drop off your clothes at the checkout and get your coupon. Easy peasy. I asked the store employee how big each bag should be and he didn't seem to know, so I think if you filled a regular size plastic shopping bag from the grocery store or a reusuable tote, you'd be good to go. You can bring up to two bags per day.

Moving on...I ogled lots of fab spring pieces that I can't actually wear since I'm preggers. You would think you could just size up in things but that hasn't been working too well for me. LOL. Oh well. I'm loving all the print pants, bold floral prints and pretty pastels. Silver heels and coral accessories also caught my eye on this trip, two affordable ways to update your wardrobe for spring.

I'll share my maternity finds in another post, which included a striped tee, navy skinnies and a coral cardigan (technically not maternity but it fit well).

Have you tried out H&M's recycling program yet? Picked up any new spring items?

This week my blog turns 6 years old. It's hard to believe I've been blogging for so long! It seems like only yesterday I was working for Oprah.com in Chicago and blogging about my latest Target clearance finds in the evenings.

So much has changed in these last 6 years. When I started blogging, hardly anyone knew what a blog even was. Now, young ambitious entrepreneurs create blogs overnight with business plans, sponsors and investors. Oh, how things have changed.

Despite all the changes I've witnessed around me, many things have stayed the same. My focus is still affordable fashion and beauty, mostly priced under $100. My inspiration is still my readers - and my fellow bloggers - who challenge and motivate me every single day.

This blog has afforded me some incredible experiences, and while I think I still have a long way to go, it's important to stop, reflect and count your blessings:

The Budget Babe went to Spain with JCP and Mango. We made it to New York Fashion Week. We've been on national TV and satellite radio; we've seen our name printed in best-selling books and publications like The New York Times. We've been styled by Stacy London, invited to posh parties hosted by Target, and received sponsorship from H&M. It's been an amazing ride.

In my personal life, I moved halfway across the country, leaving friends and family behind to be with the love of my life, who was my boyfriend when I started this blog and is now my husband. We're expecting our first child in June. C is my better half and my soul mate and I'm so grateful to have him in my life and to have his full support in all my daily endeavors, big and small.

When I began my blog, I had two simple goals: I wanted to "make a living with my blog," which meant pay my monthly bills, and I wanted a better work/life balance. I'm blessed to say that I have achieved both goals - and surpassed what I thought was possible. Now the sky's the limit. It's time to set new goals, work towards them, and enjoy the journey.

Thank you to each and every one of you who has supported me - some for a long time, some for a short while - stopping by each day, leaving thoughtful comments, sending me positive energy, believing in me, working with me, and humbling me with your questions, critiques and praise. Here's to many more years of The Budget Babe life!

Love and thanks,
Dianna, editor/founder of TheBudgetBabe.com